Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will review the sniffer dog situation at Ireland West Airport, Knock as there is concern that the cover is not sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6762/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Customs control of airports has to be looked at in the context of the Internal Market and the principle of freedom of movement within the European Union. Routine and systematic Customs checks on goods and passengers moving within any part of the EU have been abolished, as have Customs controls on the baggage of intra-Community passengers other than anti-smuggling checks. This is particularly relevant in the case of Knock Airport where passenger traffic is predominantly intra-Community. In this context, Revenue's approach must of necessity be to balance the freedom of movement principle in regard to people and goods with the need to control smuggling and enforce prohibitions and restrictions.

Detection dogs have been used at Knock Airport for a number of years. Attendance is risk based and targeted using analysis and evaluation of general seizure trends, traffic frequency, route and similar risk indicators. These attendances cover the full range of flights times and are kept under constant review in particular to take account of emerging smuggling trends and any traffic increase at the airport. I am assured by the Revenue Commissioners that the level of use of detection dogs at Knock is adequate to address the risks.